Recall the stolen 1M coupe video and rash of stolen BMWs in the UK that we reported on in July? BMW has begun releasing fixes to prevent the high tech thefts which used a method of cloning keys on the spot (by NFC key programming devices). In short, the car thieves broke into the car, accessed the BMW OBD port, and programmed a blank NFC key via a key programmer.

Models produced from 2007 to September 2011 are vulnerable to process, but BMW has just released a software upgrade for affected X5 and X6 models. Software updates for other affected models will be available in approximately 8 weeks.

A BMW spokesman confirmed that the upgrade will be carried out by dealers free of charge. Owners with affected cars should contact their BMW UK dealers or call BMW's UK hotline on 0800 083 4397.